Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as pirate treasure hunts, pizza making, storytelling, and "Little Artists" crafts. Children in the Kid's age group must be toilet trained. Children in pull-ups or diapers are not allowed in the youth facilities, due to mandates from US Public Health. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made.

Teens, ages 13-17 have their own hangouts in The Loft and The Oasis, for late-night sporting competitions, yoga and dance classes, cooking demos and teens-only nightclub events.

Culinary Arts Center

Hands-on cooking classes for kids and teens offering basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety and recipe instruction. Workshops are offered for two age groups: ages 3-7, and ages 8-15. Parents must register their children on board at the Front Office.

Family Information

Club Hal's After Hours

For registered children ages 3-12 who meet Club HAL's eligibility requirements, Holland America offers Club HAL After Hours on all ships (except ms Prinsendam) from 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. The fee is US $5.00 per child, per hour (fees subject to change). Parents must pick up their children on time or a late fee is charged.

Special Needs

Club HAL recognizes that some children may have special needs. Club HAL has many staff trained to work with special needs children, and special needs children are invited to attend activities based on their chronological age. Guests should make Holland America Line aware of this when booking their reservation.

Additional Family Services

Holland America Line is dedicated to making your family's cruise vacation memorable and happy for each member of your family. They serve a wide variety of kid-pleasing food, including a different appetizers, salads and soups, and standard items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and chicken, plus chef's specials like beef tacos, grilled cheese, fish and chips and spaghetti. Baby food and a limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available on board. These items must be requested in advance of boarding. Special kid-friendly birthday parties can also be arranged with advance notice.

Important Notes

A limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available at no charge. These must be reserved in advance at the time of booking. An international children's menu is offered at dinner and includes a variety of appetizers, salads and soups, and standard items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and chicken, plus chef's specials like beef tacos, grilled cheese, fish and chips or spaghetti.

Babysitting Services

Limited babysitting services are available through the Front Office for a small surcharge for children 5 years of age and under. This service is provided by staff on a volunteer basis, and may not always be available. Babysitting services are not offered while the ship is in port.